How to Choose Between Electronic and Traditional Hearing Protection for Shooting?
Shooting is a fun and exhilarating activity that requires the use of a firearm. However, it can also be incredibly loud, and exposure to the loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage. This is where hearing protection comes in. In this article, we will explore the differences between electronic and traditional hearing protection and help you choose the best option for shooting.
Step 1: Understand Electronic Hearing Protection.
Electronic hearing protection is a type of ears defense that uses technology to reduce loud sounds while allowing normal conversation and other sounds to be heard. It works by amplifying quiet sounds such as someone talking and filters out loud sounds such as gunfire. Some versions of electronic hearing protection also have cellular and Bluetooth connectivity, letting you play music or take calls while shooting.
Step 2: Understand Traditional Hearing Protection.
Traditional hearing protection is made up of earmuffs and earplugs, and they provide protection by blocking all sound from entering the ears. Earmuffs cover the entire ear, while earplugs fit inside the ear canal. They are affordable and readily available but do not allow you to hear conversations or other necessary sounds. You must remove them if you want to hear anything around you.
Step 3: Compare and Contrast the Two Types of Hearing Protection.
• Electronic hearing protection provides a more customized experience, balancing between prevention from loud noise and awareness of low-level sound, recording and communication with multiple sounds.
• Traditional hearing protection is a more affordable and straightforward option that provides excellent noise reduction, providing you with the highest level of protection without any particular adjustment.
Step 4: Consider the Environment.
The environment you will be shooting in is an essential factor to consider when choosing hearing protection. If you shoot in an indoor range, electronic hearing protection is preferable. The reason being the sounds reverberate inside the closed space, leading to a louder echo. With specialized technology built into electronic earmuffs, it helps attenuate the echo and maintain a comfortable level of hearing. For outdoor shooting, traditional hearing protection works just fine because the surrounding environment has better acoustics that prevent too much reverberation of sound.
Step 5: Determine Your Budget.
Your budget is another critical factor that will influence your choice of hearing protection. Traditional hearing protection is certainly the more affordable option, and it is possible to find protective gear under $50. However, electronic hearing protection is a bit more expensive and can increase in price based on the level of technological advancement. A decent electronic earmuff can start at $100 and can go up to $300 depending on the added features.
Conclusion.
In summary, electronic and traditional hearing protection are both effective ways to protect your ears when shooting. Understanding the differences between the two is critical when choosing which one is right for you. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the environment you will be shooting in and your budget. Regardless of your decision, always consider wearing hearing protection when shooting to protect your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage.
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